The Federal Government of Nigeria has commenced preparations to evacuate Nigerians from Lebanon due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
The announcement was made by Eche Abu-Obe, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement issued from Abuja.
The conflict, which has intensified in recent weeks, has raised significant security concerns, particularly for foreign residents in Lebanon, prompting the Nigerian government to take immediate action.
“The government is working to ensure the safety of Nigerian nationals in Lebanon, where the conflict has raised concerns about the security of foreign residents,” Abu-Obe said.
The statement further outlined that the Nigerian Embassy in Lebanon has been closely monitoring the situation and regularly issuing advisories to the Nigerian community.
The advisories have included critical safety instructions and guidance on voluntary evacuation, especially as the conflict zones near the southern parts of Lebanon continue to pose a threat.
In addition, Abu-Obe recalled that as early as August 2024, the Nigerian government had already advised its citizens to consider leaving Lebanon while commercial flights were still operational.
He said the early warning was part of a larger strategy to ensure the safe relocation of Nigerians, minimizing risks amidst the conflict escalation.
He noted that as the conflict intensified, the Nigerian government, through its embassy, coordinated the relocation of many of its nationals from southern Lebanon.
He added that many of the citizens have been moved to safer areas, including Beirut, with the active support of the leadership within the Nigerian community.
Abu-Obe emphasized that the government has prioritised keeping Nigerians informed and providing them with the resources necessary for their safety.
“No Nigerian life has been lost since the conflict began,” he reassured the public, stressing that continuous efforts are being made to maintain this positive record.
With the volatile situation showing no signs of abating, the Nigerian government is accelerating preparations to evacuate its citizens.
“Preparations are ongoing to bring our citizens back home safely,” Abu-Obe stated, adding that the process is being closely monitored as the conflict in Lebanon continues to evolve.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in conjunction with other relevant bodies, is working on an evacuation plan that will ensure the timely and secure return of Nigerians.
The Nigerian government has also emphasized that it is engaging with international stakeholders, including the Lebanese authorities, to facilitate a smooth and safe evacuation process.
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has rapidly escalated, drawing international attention due to the potential for a broader regional war.
Hezbollah, a militant group based in Lebanon, has been involved in clashes with Israeli forces, and the conflict has spread across Lebanon, particularly affecting its southern regions.
As tensions rise, the security situation in Lebanon has deteriorated, with several countries issuing evacuation orders or advising their nationals to leave.
“The government is actively engaging with relevant stakeholders to ensure the protection of Nigerian nationals,” Abu-Obe added.
